Definition

Direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) is a surgery to repair a narrowed section of the urethra. This is referred to as a stricture. The urethra is the tube through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Reasons for Procedure

Urethral stricture is due to scarring of the urethra. This scarring may be caused by infection or injury. DVIU cuts through the scar tissue and opens the urethra.

Prior to Procedure

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 10 days before the procedure.

In the days leading up to the procedure:

Take a shower before the procedure as directed.

Arrange for a ride home from the hospital.

Do not take anything by mouth starting 8 hours before your procedure. Ask the doctor how you should take your regular medications on the morning of your procedure.

Anesthesia

General
or
spinal
anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep or sedated through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

After you are asleep, a special tube called a cystoscope will be placed in your urethra to locate the stricture. Next, the DVIU scope will be placed into your urethra. A special tool will be used to cut away the scar tissue inside your urethra to make it wider. The scar tissue may be removed by cutting or using a laser or heat source. After the tissue is removed, the urethra and bladder area will be examined.

How Long Will It Take?

About 30 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Ask your doctor about medication to help with the pain.

Average Hospital Stay

You will be able to go home the same day in most cases.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will be monitored while you recover from the anesthesia.

You will be given food and encourage to begin moving around.

You will be given pain medication.

A catheter will be placed temporarily after the procedure. A catheter is a tube placed through the urethra to the bladder to empty it.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Care for your catheter as directed. The catheter may need to remain in place from a few days to 2 weeks. Your doctor may ask you to insert a catheter a few times a week to keep the scar tissue from closing again.

Avoid lifting heavy objects for 2 weeks.

Do have sex until your doctor says it is okay.

Follow all your doctor's instructions.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Increasing pressure or pain

Catheter does not drain properly

Difficulty passing urine after catheter is taken out

Changes in frequency or volume of urine

Signs of infection, including fever or chills

Excess blood in urine

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

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